Messmer Column: Scholarships available for future teachers

Local Sources- On this week's Messmer Column, State Senator Mark Messmer (R-Jasper) shares Scholarships available for future teachers. 

Having high-quality Hoosier educators in our classrooms is critical to providing a robust education for our children. However, according to a 2021 Indiana State University study, nearly 97% of Indiana schools have been impacted by teacher shortages, and the Indiana Department of Education is currently reporting 68 open K-12 teaching positions.

That's why, in 2016, the Indiana General Assembly created the Next Generation Hoosier Educator Scholarship.

Administered by the Indiana Commission for Higher Education (CHE), this renewable scholarship awards recipients up to $7,500 for up to four academic years totaling $30,000. Qualified students must have either graduated in the top 20% of their high school class or earned a score in the top 20th percentile on the SAT (1190) or ACT (26). Students must also commit to teaching in Indiana for at least five years after graduation.

To continue earning the scholarship in college, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and complete at least 30 credit hours per year. Current college students must be able to use the scholarship for at least two full academic years if they apply.

Qualified students should apply through ScholarTrack at scholartrack.che.in.gov beginning Oct. 15 until Jan. 31, 2023.  The CHE will review all applications following the deadline and notify applicants of their scholarship status via email by March 24, 2023.

Before applications open, students are encouraged to begin drafting their writing prompts. Prompts are limited to 500 words and ask students what programs, partnerships and policies they would incorporate in their future classrooms to eliminate inequities in Indiana college-going rates.

I highly encourage all high school and college students interested in teaching to apply for this distinguished financial aid opportunity, and I look forward to the positive impact this initiative will continue to have on Indiana schools.

As always, feel free to contact my office directly with your questions and concerns by email at [email protected] or by phone at 800-382-9467.